Some noise in all images / Normal with most 16-Megapixel image sensors

Noise also present in movies

Buffer fills very quickly when capturing full-sized images

Bottom Line

The Olympus Stylus SZ-16 is an affordable and versatile digicam.
Sporting powerful and features that produce good image quality and
decent performance, this camera will handle just about any situation
with its 24x zoom lens. A great option at just $229.99. Read more in our Full Conclusion.

Note: the Black version of the SZ-16 you will see pictured in this review seems to only be available in Europe.

For 2013, Olympus announced two new members to its Stylus SZ-series. And, while the SZ-15 and SZ-16 may feature the same 24x optical zoom lens, 11 Magic Filters, and built-in dual image stabilization, the SZ-16 is an "iHS" model, which stands for Intelligent, High-Sensitivity and High-Speed. The SZ-16 also boasts a 16-megapixel CMOS image sensor optimized for filmmaking, thanks to its Multi-Motion Movie Image Stabilization and the TruePix VI Image Processor straight out of Olympus' more expensive PEN series cameras.

Another benefit of the iHS-branding is Hand-held Starlight mode, which captures and combines multiple exposures to create crisp, "noise-free" images in darker shooting scenarios without the need for a tripod. The SZ-16 iHS also includes Beauty Make-up Mode -- which allows you to add blush, eyeliner, and other make-up effects to any portrait -- as well as Smart Panorama for capturing gorgeous 360-degree views.

The SZ-15 may save you about $30, but it lacks the movie image stabilization, the newer image processor, and Hand-held Starlight mode.

Olympus SZ-16 iHS Features

16MP CMOS image sensor

24x optical zoom

25mm widest angle

TruePix VI Image Processor

Full HD Video Recording

3.0-inch LCD display

Hand-Held Starlight Mode

HDR Backlight Adjustment

High-Speed Sequential Shooting

Multi-Motion Movie IS

11 Magic Filters

Beauty Make-up Mode

Smart Panorama

Available in white or silver (black in European markets), the Olympus SZ-16 iHS can be had for about $229.99 USD. See our lowest price button at the top right of this page for the most current online pricing.

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.